In order to minimize the number of collection routes and trucks on the road, only certain areas of Placer County have curbside green waste collection available. Contact your hauler for availability and options (see "Who collects my garbage?" above).

Why don't I have a recycle bin?

Recycling can be confusing, so we do it for you!

In Placer County, One Big Bin makes it easy for businesses and residents by using a mixed-waste recycling program.

The waste collected in your garbage can goes to one of our two regional Materials Recovery Facilities where we:

Recover recyclables from the mixed waste stream,

Process green and wood waste for composting or biomass,

Receive and process source-separated recyclables, and

Provide for receipt and recycling/proper disposal of Hazardous Wastes.

Yes! No extra bags for sorting and no extra trucks on the road for separate collection routes!

By allowing recyclables to be included with garbage, in One Big Bin, Placer County:

Exceeds state mandated waste diversion goals,

Ensures 100% participation,

Provides uniformity in waste diversion and recycling programs, and

Minimizes greenhouse gas emissions by having one truck route to collect mixed trash and recyclables.

It's recycling and disposal made easy!

What happens to the garbage that isn't recycled?

After the garbage has been sorted at the Materials Recovery Facility, materials that cannot be recycled are taken to a landfill.

In the western portion of the County garbage is disposed of at the Western Regional Sanitary Landfill in Roseville, the only active landfill in Placer County.

In the eastern portion of the County garbage is taken to Lockwood Landfill in the state of Nevada.

How much does garbage service cost?

Garbage service rates vary based on where you live. Please check the Franchise Area Map to determine which area you live in, then click on the appropriate link above under Garbage Collection Rates. Residents of cities should contact their local Public Works department.

How do I get rid of old medications, sharps, and syringes?

These items are considered Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) and can be taken to the HHW facility at the Western Placer Waste Management Authority in Roseville (every day, free of charge), or to the Eastern Regional Materials Recover Facility in the Tahoe area during one of their free Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days (fees apply for businesses, and disposal limits apply to both residents and businesses).

Download and print this handy tool to help remind you of our free drop-off locations for old medications, home-generated sharps and syringes.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is waste that is illegal to place in your trash can, such as medication, sharps and syringes, paints, poisons, solvents and oils.

Where can I dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) can be taken to the Western Placer Waste Management Authority in Roseville (every day, free of charge), or theo the Eastern Regional Materials Recovery Facility in the Tahoe area (during one of their free Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days).

Some HHW is accepted at Transfer Stations located throughout western Placer County (call 530.885.3735 for disposal times):

Collection sites in the eastern part of the county are currently being updated, but residents may also put household batteries in a sealable plastic bag and place the bag on top of their can on collection day.

What is mandatory commercial recycling and what services are available?

Mandatory commercial recycling is a California state law (AB 341) by which Placer County must provide recycling services to some businesses, and multi-family housing of five or more units. Placer County provides these services through private contractors in order to provide the recycling services required by state law. Learn more about AB 341.

What is mandatory commercial organics recycling and what services are available?

Mandatory commercial organics recycling is a California state law (AB 1826) by which Placer County must provide organics recycling services to some businesses, in phases. Placer County offers food waste collection service, or businesses can opt to comply by recycling organic waste onsite, self-hauling green and/or wood waste, or donating to food banks. Learn more about AB 1826.